Cherokee

Commissioners’ Office, New Echota, May 29, 1837

The Commissioners’ Office in New Echota informs the recipient of their ongoing responsibilities as a disbursing agent under the Cherokee treaty of 1835. They emphasize the necessity of continuing these duties until at least the end of the year, expressing a desire for the recipient to remain in this role, should it align with public interests. This correspondence reflects the ongoing complexities surrounding the administration of the treaty and the management of resources amidst the challenges faced by the Cherokee Nation.

New Echota, Georgia, May 13, 1837

On May 13, 1837, Captain J. P. Simonton requested the cashier of the Planters’ Bank in Athens, Tennessee, to process a check for two hundred thousand dollars. The bank agreed to pay $75,000 in notes redeemable in New Orleans, with further arrangements based on Doctor Reynolds’ preferences. This transaction highlights the financial dealings linked to the ongoing displacement of Native Americans, notably associated with the Trail of Tears. Notary Samuel H. Gordon documented the request on June 6, 1837.

Letter of Samuel H. Gordon

Samuel H. Gordon, a notary public in Athens, Tennessee, documented a transaction involving a check presented to William Clarke, the bank cashier. Clarke indicated he would pay the check in Planters’ Bank notes, which he asserted were redeemable in specie. Due to the lack of proper endorsement and payment, Gordon formally protested against the drawer of the check and any endorsers involved, noting potential costs and damages. This protest was officially recorded on May 27, 1837.

Office Of Planters’ Bank, Tennessee June 6, 1837

William Clarke, Cashier, explains the protest of Major Bennett’s $200,000 check due to a refusal to accept paper payable only at New Orleans. The situation arose amid a general financial suspension in eastern cities. Clarke notes that a request for $75,000 in such notes had been made prior but was not fully accommodated due to misunderstandings. He expresses eagerness to assist in financial matters, emphasizing the bank’s intent to maintain good relations.

Trail of Tears Evaluation

The Trail of Tears Roll consists of two separate lists from 1835 that detail the tribes affected by forced removal, notably the Cherokee and Choctaw. The Cherokee Roll enumerates around 16,000 individuals from 5,000 families just prior to their westward migration. The Cherokee Muster Rolls document families during this period, including those who emigrated and those who avoided removal. The Choctaw list, established by the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, recognizes 3,547 individuals as tribe members, illustrating the complexity of tribal identities during this tumultuous era.

Athens, Tennessee, June 6 1837

On May 13, Richard Bennett provided Capt. J. P. Simonton with a draft for $200,000 connected to the Cherokee treaty of 1835. Dr. Reynolds attempted to cash the draft for $100,000 at the Planters’ Bank of Tennessee in Athens but was refused, as the bank only honored notes payable at New Orleans. This led to a formal protest due to insufficient details on the notes offered. Despite efforts to clarify the situation, the bank remained evasive. Simonton later sought alternative funds, but found the necessary warrant had not arrived.

Office Indian Affairs, July 25, 1835

On July 25, 1835, the Office of Indian Affairs outlined instructions for appraising improvements on lands ceded by the Cherokee under the treaty of December 29, 1835. Agents are to be assigned to districts for this task, valuing improvements held by the Cherokees at the treaty date with impartiality. Key processes include agent appointment, public notice of appraisals, detailed record-keeping, and provisions for disputes. Compensation for agents and interpreters is specified, along with collaborative responsibilities with commissioners for efficient execution of duties.

Treaty of July 6, 1825

On July 6, 1825, representatives from the United States and the Cheyenne tribe signed a treaty aimed at fostering trade and friendship. This agreement acknowledged the United States’ authority over the Cheyenne, who committed to ensure peace and regulate trade within their territory. The Cheyenne promised not to trade weapons with hostile tribes and to return unauthorized traders to U.S. authorities. Both parties agreed to handle grievances through official channels, enhancing mutual protection and cooperation to prevent conflicts between citizens and the tribe.

Treaty of April 27, 1868

On April 27, 1868, a supplemental agreement was reached between the United States and the Cherokee Nation, resolving disputes over the sale of Cherokee neutral lands in Kansas. The American Emigrant Company’s initial contract, deemed illegal, was reassigned to James F. Joy, who agreed to fulfill the contract’s obligations. The modified agreement included an immediate payment of $75,000 to the Cherokee Nation, ensuring that proceeds from land sales would benefit them, while respecting the rights of actual settlers.

Biographical Sketch of Richard L. Taylor

Born in 1854, Richard Lee Taylor, the son of William and Elizabeth Taylor, married Margaret Elminr Paden in 1880. The couple had several children, including Nannie, Annie, and Richard Lee. Taylor served as Sheriff of Flint District multiple times between 1887 and 1893 and was later elected Senator for the district in 1903. He continued his public service as County Commissioner of Adair County in 1914, reflecting a dedicated involvement in local governance throughout his lifetime.

Understanding the Obsession with All Things Cherokee

In the Georgia Mountains, a fascination with Cherokee history persists, often leading to misconceptions about the region’s Native American heritage. Many place names attributed to the Cherokee actually derive from the Muskogean or Maya languages. The myth that Cherokees occupied northern Georgia until 1838 is rooted in early settler assumptions and has misled even archaeologists. Historically, the Cherokees had a minimal presence in the region before the American Revolution, primarily as hunters, and they faced significant political pressure from Georgia for their removal to Oklahoma.

Mysterious Fort Mountain, Georgia

The stone structures on Fort Mountain, Georgia, likely served as supports for timber palisades. Early settlers encountered a variety of fieldstone constructions, including cairns and enclosures, with possible origins dating back to the Late Archaic or Early Woodland period. While Cherokees attributed their construction to earlier inhabitants, including the Creeks, various legends emerged. Archaeological evidence suggests these sites had ceremonial and potentially military functions, although they lacked the fortification capabilities typically expected. Further research remains necessary to understand their true purpose and historical significance.

Biographical Sketch of James Walker Reid

Reverend Gilbert Taylor Thompson, born in 1847, was a distinguished Presbyterian minister who managed to provide exceptional education for his children despite modest means. An ordained minister since 1874, he and his wife, Josephine, raised a notably educated family among the Cherokees, with several children receiving education abroad. Their daughter, Cleo, married James Walker Reid in 1899; he was a graduate of Erskine College and later established a business in Tahlequah. The Reids had four children, continuing a legacy of educational pride.

Biographical Sketch of Charles D. Carter

Charles D. Carter was born on August 6, 1868, to Captain Benjamin Wisner and Serena J. Carter. He married Ada Gertrude Wilson in 1891, who passed away in 1901, leaving behind four children. His second marriage was to Cecil Jones. The Carter family has deep roots in Cherokee history, with ancestors who held significant roles, including Chief Justice. Charles D. Carter would later serve as a congressional representative from Oklahoma after statehood, continuing the family’s legacy of public service.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Luther H. Adair

Lillie M. Waldrop, born December 8, 1865, in Texas, married Luther Martin Adair on November 17, 1883. He was the son of Captain Ephriam Martin and Sallie Adair, born April 30, 1859, and passed away on January 3, 1908. The couple had ten children, including Sarah Leola and William Luther, who pursued education at local seminaries. Lillie was dedicated to her faith as a member of the Church of God, showcasing a strong familial and religious foundation in her life.